Can’t find the device manager tool in Windows? Here are some of the easiest ways to open the Device Manager in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Device Manager is one of the most important tools in Windows. It allows you to manage connected hardware devices and their drivers. For example, you can install, uninstall, update, and roll back drivers with just a few clicks using the Device Manager. You can also scan for hardware changes in your system and check the properties of each and every hardware device connected to your computer. It also lets you troubleshoot problems related to your hardware devices and their drivers.
While not frequently, almost every Windows user may need to access the Device Manager at least occasionally. As such, it is important to know how to open the Device Manager. In this quick and easy guide, I will show you six easy ways to launch the Device Manager in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Let’s get started.
Before You Start
- The methods shown below are tested to work in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.
1. Open Device Manager Using the Start Menu
As with most built-in tools and applications, you can open the Device Manager by searching for it in the Start menu. It’s the easiest and convenient way to open it. Here’s how to do it.
- Press the “Windows” key to open the Start menu.
- Search for “Device Manager” in the Start menu.
- Click the “Open” option to launch the Device Manager.
The beauty of this method is that it works in all versions of Windows starting from the XP era. I can’t confirm it in Windows 95, 98, and 2000.
2. Launch Device Manager Using the Power User Menu
Another simple, yet lesser know method that works on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 is to open the Device Manager tool using the Power User menu. The best thing is, all it takes is a two clicks, no matter what you are don’t on your computer. Here’s how to do it.
First, right-click the Windows icon on the taskbar or press the “Windows key + X” shortcut to open the Power User menu. In that menu, click on the “Device Manager” option to launch the tool.
3. Use the Run Command to Launch the Device Manager Tool
Being a very important system tool, the Device Manager has a dedicated Run command to open it. All you have to do is execute it in the Run dialog and the Device Manager will open. Here’s how.
First, press the “Windows Key + R” shortcut to open the Run dialog. Or, you can also search for “Run” in the Start menu and open it from there. Type “devmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog and click the “OK” button. This action instantly opens the Device Manager.
Good to read: Run commands to open various control panel and system tools
4. Open the Device Manager Using the Settings App
Whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, the Settings app has an option in it to quickly open the Device Manager. It is often hard to find and use. That being said, it is fairly easy once you know where to find it. Here’s how.
On Windows 11
- Open the Settings app by pressing the “Windows key + I” shortcut.
- Go to the “System” tab on the sidebar.
- Scroll down the right page and click “About“.
- On the right page, scroll down and click the “Device Manager” option under the “Related” section.
- The above action instantly launches the Device Manager.
On Windows 10
Right-click the “Windows” icon on the taskbar and select the “Settings” option. In the Settings app, click the “System” option and then go to the “About” tab on the sidebar. Click the “Device Manager” link under the “Related Settings” section of the right page to launch the Device Manager tool.
5. Command to Open Device Manager
Like with any tool or application in Windows, you can execute a command in the Command Prompt or PowerShell window to open the Device Manager. This is particularly helpful for creating custom scripts.
First, open the Start menu by pressing the “Windows key”. Next, search for “Command Prompt” or “PowerShell” and open the command-line tool of your choice. Once it opens, run the “devmgmt.msc” command to open the Device Manager.
6. Desktop shortcut to open the Device Manager
If you open the Device Manager frequently, you can also create a desktop shortcut to open the Device manager. The desktop shortcut lets you open it with just a couple of clicks.
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That is all. These are the easiest ways to open the Device Manager in Windows 11 and Windows 10. If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
